I always go back to my 4-H days and make a sewing box, needle holder and pin cushion, that way you got the basic hand stitches, and then a pillow, or other simple machine project. Good Luck and Have fun!

4H for me too. We started with an apron that ties around the waist. It uses gathering, straight seams, hand sewing for the final seam of the waistband or you could stitch in the ditch. We also made a laundry bag that hangs on a hanger (still have it and use it). Pin cushion. Pillows.

Olly i do a class at my Church and i have got the ladies doing quilt as you go placemats. Good for using up any scraps. Also coasters . Very easy.
For handstitching why not get them to trace with waterpen a design then when it is stitched , get them to sew it into a pillow. Where are you teaching? Good luck Pauline Sydney :)

I would do an Apron too - I agree with SEWMON.
I did one from The DIY Dish and it's 'sew' great. I'll include the webpage with the free pattern for you. Pincushions, needle holders, a chatelaine or anything to do with holding your sewing goodies would be good too.

Good luck with it all Coral. Love and blessings Chris

maybe teach to hem pants and jeans or other alterations. As these are costly to ones that don't sew. Also , one of those casserole carriers from 2 place mats like Lillian used to make. She sewed them 3 sides together and made button holes on the open side and inserted wooden long handled spoons. Kay

The thing tht I always wanted to learn - but never have - what is the easiest way to make a knot at the the end of thread when you are hand stitching. And any thing that you can think of to make something simple - that might also need hand stitching to finish it up - say a pillow after stuffing it - that sort of hand stitching is always nice to know the correct way to do.

Learning a great decorative stitch that is useful with projects that they might be making - such as: pillows, dish towels, skirts, aprons or the like. I nice decortive stitch can really set off a home made project.

I gave lessons at the shop I worked at. Started with a pillow with a zipper in it and a ruffle with lace on top. Everyone loved that. Next we made a simple vest that had interfacing in it. How to cut it out then sew. After that how to remove a zipper from a pair of pants and replace it. Was fully booked at every class. Lots of fun and everyone said they were ready to make a dress or blouse on their own. Many of them did with no problem. Really fun. Good luck.

How long are each of the classes?

I would let them do a pillow or even a pillow slip to start with.
Once you get the people in the class, ask them what they would like to learn.
Then you take it from there.
Give them homework to do, so that they bring the complete project the following week and they can show the rest of the class.

Best of luck with your classes.
Hugs Yvonne